Film

Archana 31 Not Out: Smashing Stereotypes and Spineless Critiques

Vince Vanguard

'Archana 31 Not Out' is a Malayalam movie that bravely shakes off stale stereotypes, featuring a fiercely independent female lead, Archana, navigating life in rural Kerala.

Sparks of Genius: The Science Behind 'Frankenweenie' (1984)

Martin Sparks

Tim Burton's 1984 short film *Frankenweenie* cleverly blends science, horror, and humor to deliver a touching tale of resurrection and curiosity, proving that even the smallest sparks of creativity can light up the darkest mysteries.

Unveiling the Mysteries of 'Widows' (1976): A Fascinating Journey into Television Drama

Martin Sparks

'Widows' (1976), a British TV film directed by Ian Toynton, is a thrilling exploration of gender, power, and societal change, set against the backdrop of mid-1970s England.

He-Man Film: A Fantasy Venture That Almost Reigned

KC Fairlight

He-Man's leap from toys and cartoons to live-action cinema was ambitious yet controversial. The 'Masters of the Universe' film is a nostalgic blend of 80s camp and storytelling ambition that still sparks debate today.

Unmasking the Tale Behind 'Little Terrorist': A Short Film’s Big Impact

Martin Sparks

'Little Terrorist' is a short film directed by Ashvin Kumar in 2004, exploring themes of fear, prejudice, and friendship across the India-Pakistan border through the story of a young Pakistani boy.

Revisiting 'Take Me to Town': A Peek into Classic Hollywood

KC Fairlight

'Take Me to Town' isn't just an engaging classic film, but a fascinating piece of 1950s cinema that addresses themes of identity and societal norms. Ann Sheridan's character defies the expectations of her era, echoing a narrative that remains relevant today.

An Illuminating Journey Through the Lens of Juraj Herz

Martin Sparks

Dive into the strange yet mesmerizing world of Juraj Herz, a master storyteller whose innovative films transcend horror and shape cinema in fascinating ways.

Juraj Herz: The Provocative Visionary Liberals Love to Ignore

Vince Vanguard

Juraj Herz, an influential Czechoslovak filmmaker born in 1934, dared to break cinematic boundaries with genres as dark as they were thought-provoking, despite being largely ignored by mainstream circles.

Reliving the 90s Drama: Discover Ganga Gowri

KC Fairlight

Discover the dramatic world of 'Ganga Gowri,' a 1997 Tamil film that explores love amidst traditional Tamil Nadu. Directed by Madurai Thirumurugan, it navigates complex characters and societal norms with empathy and emotional depth.

Exploring the Silent Power of 'Common Ground' (1916 Film)

KC Fairlight

Explore the cultural and historical significance of the 1916 silent film 'Common Ground' and its enduring themes of social unity.

Strand Releasing: The All-American Spirit of Film Distribution

Vince Vanguard

Strand Releasing, founded in 1989 by Marcus Hu and Jon Gerrans, has consistently challenged the norms of film distribution by pushing avant-garde and boundary-pushing cinema into the spotlight, especially in an industry dominated by predictable blockbusters.

Catacombe: The Film That's Shaking Up Liberal Narratives

Vince Vanguard

*Catacombe* is a politically charged film about an ex-soccer player tackling societal decay, reflecting a conservative critique of liberal narratives.

Unmasking Inu-Oh: The Legendary Tale of Transformation and Triumph

Martin Sparks

Join us as we explore 'Inu-Oh,' a breathtaking animated film that revives a historical tale of artistic triumph against adversity, directed by the innovative Masaaki Yuasa.

Exploring the Timeless Tale of Youth in 'The Devil Is a Sissy'

KC Fairlight

'The Devil Is a Sissy', a 1936 film directed by W. S. Van Dyke and Rowland Brown, follows three boys in Depression-era New York navigating friendship and adversity, highlighting timeless themes of resilience and social critique.

Why the Devil Is Just a Misunderstood Sissy: An Optimistic Take

Martin Sparks

'The Devil Is a Sissy', a film from 1936, masterfully explores societal norms through its engaging narrative featuring three boys navigating societal challenges in New York City—delivering a timeless message of friendship, identity, and growth.

Nakom: The Tale of Bold Conservatism

Vince Vanguard

Discover 'Nakom', a culturally rich film from 2016, that pushes the boundaries by weaving a narrative steeped in tradition, personal responsibility, and familial duties.

Exploring Culturally Diverse Realities in 'Two Worlds'

KC Fairlight

Step into the intertwining lives of Khalid and Lily in 'Two Worlds', a film that explores cultural intersectionality amid New York's vibrant setting.

Exploring the Cinematic Dimensions of 'Two Worlds (2019)'

Martin Sparks

Dive into the spirited world of 'Two Worlds (2019)', a Belgian film by George Sluizer, exploring the intersection of culture and personal evolution. Join us as we traverse its rich landscapes and profound narratives.

Why 'Ballerina' (1950) Remains a Timeless Masterpiece Liberals Missed

Vince Vanguard

Arne Mattsson's Ballerina (1950) is a timeless film about a dedicated dancer overcoming challenges, embracing tradition, and achieving excellence, all in the unwavering pursuit of her art.

Exploring the Provocative Landscape of 'We Are the Flesh'

KC Fairlight

Enter the nightmarish world of 'We Are the Flesh', a 2016 Mexican film by Emiliano Rocha Minter that defies conventional storytelling and evokes strong emotions. This cinematic provocateur invites viewers into a chaotic, post-apocalyptic Mexico City, spinning a tale as confounding as it is compelling.

Unraveling the Quiet Brilliance of 'Tokyo Story': A Tale of Life and Time

Martin Sparks

In 'Tokyo Story', a 1953 masterpiece by Yasujirō Ozu, an elderly couple's visit to their urban children reveals timeless themes of generational divides and familial connection amidst a rapidly modernizing Japan.

Kite (1998): A Twist of Animation and Controversy

KC Fairlight

Kite (1998) is no ordinary anime. It's a film that rebelliously pushes the boundaries of storytelling, combining power-packed action with themes that question morality and justice.

The Intriguing World of 'Kite': Unpacking a Cult Classic

Martin Sparks

The 1998 anime film 'Kite', directed by Yasuomi Umetsu, combines dark noir aesthetics with a controversial storyline to delve into themes of corruption, abuse, and revenge. This cult classic challenges viewers with its stark visuals and complex narrative.

June Moon: A Stellar Exploration of Love and Whimsy on Film

Martin Sparks

'June Moon', released in 1931 and directed by A. Edward Sutherland, tells a charming tale of love, ambition, and the human spirit in the bustling metropolis of New York City.